California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

Classic show car recovered after falsified theft report

MIRA LOMA, Calif.– Bascom Lowell Mellon Jr., 65, of Mira Loma, was arrested on suspicion of felony insurance fraud, after allegedly filing a false insurance claim for the theft of his classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air show car, valued at $50,000.

"False insurance claims not only waste valuable resources on the part of the state and insurance companies, but also result in higher costs for all consumers," said Commissioner Jones.

Mellon Jr. reported the Chevy classic stolen in May 2010 and was paid $50,000 by his insurance company following the theft. The Department of Insurance received an anonymous tip that Mellon Jr. hid the Bel Air in his garage at his vacation home in Mohave Valley, Arizona. Department of Insurance investigators, in collaboration with Arizona authorities, executed a search warrant of the vacation home on November 8, 2013. Authorities located the Bel Air in Mellon's garage after matching the description from the anonymous tip.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's office is prosecuting the case. Mellon Jr. faces felony insurance fraud charges that could result in fines and restitution totaling $100,697, 36 months felony probation, and 120 hours of community service, if convicted.